Steroid ointment for vulva

Nursing Mothers. Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in
human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid
production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical
administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption
to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted
in human milk, caution should be exercised when TOBRADEX® (tobramycin and dexamethasone opthalmic ointment) (tobramycin and
dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) is administered to a nursing woman.

The most common side effect of topical corticosteroid use is skin atrophy. All topical steroids can induce atrophy, but higher potency steroids, occlusion, thinner skin, and older patient age increase the risk. The face, the backs of the hands, and intertriginous areas are particularly susceptible. Resolution often occurs after discontinuing use of these agents, but it may take months. Concurrent use of topical tretinoin (Retin-A) % may reduce the incidence of atrophy from chronic steroid applications. 30 Other side effects from topical steroids include permanent dermal atrophy, telangiectasia, and striae.